Bourbon Tourism Reaches New Heights In Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Bourbon tourism reached new heights last year in Kentucky as more people flocked to distilleries.

Officials say a record 571,701 people visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour last year. Another 61,698 people traveled to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour in its first full year of existence.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Director Adam Johnson said Thursday that officials are thrilled to see double-digit growth in visits to heritage distilleries. He says the fledgling craft tour got off to a strong start.

Visitors came from all 50 states and 50 countries and territories.

The attendance record for heritage distilleries includes figures from Heaven Hill's Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, which opened last fall in Louisville.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour was created in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers' Association.